Role of simulation in preparation for the care of conjoined twins-prenatal preparation to separation.

ABSTRACT

The rarity and complexity of conjoined twins creates a challenge for prenatal planning, delivery resuscitation, and postnatal management. The modality of simulation offers a safe practice environment for a multidisciplinary group consisting of neonatal providers, nurses, respiratory therapists, and surgeons in which to identify and address clinical decision making, procedural, and behavioral plans related to routine and emergency care of these patients. Simulation-based clinical rehearsals (SbCR) provide a unique opportunity to prepare for rare, complex, and patient specific clinical procedures and scenarios. This primer serves as a revisable tool that promotes the development of proper timing, technique, and confidence to allow for an optimal setting for delivery of safe care to conjoined twins. We describe the development and implementation of a simulation approach to all stages of care from the antenatal life, NICU care, to preparation for postnatal separation of conjoined twins.